Mackerel Salad

Mackerel Salad – a delicious and fresh recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Looking for a simple and quick recipe for a light lunch or dinner? Mackerel salad is the perfect choice! This salad combines the intense flavors of smoked fish with the freshness of vegetables and the sweetness of apples, creating a balanced and refined dish. Let's discover step by step how to prepare it!

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 salted mackerel (about 250 g)
- 1 bunch of fresh green salad
- 2-3 apples (preferably tart apples, like Granny Smith)
- 8 walnuts
- 1/2 lemon (freshly squeezed juice)
- 150 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Step 1: Preparing the mackerel
Start by filleting the mackerel. Make sure to remove all the bones, leaving only the delicate fish fillets. If the mackerel is too salty, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce the saltiness. Once you have the fillets, cut them into small pieces or flake them with a fork. This step will add a pleasant texture to your salad.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables and apples
Wash the green salad well and tear it into smaller pieces for easier serving. Then, wash the apples, cut them into medium-sized cubes, and immediately drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep their vibrant color.

Step 3: The walnuts
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become slightly golden and release their aroma. This step will enhance the flavor of the walnuts, adding a crunchy note to your salad. Once cooled, chop them roughly.

Step 4: Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the green salad, apple pieces, flaked mackerel, and toasted walnuts. In another container, prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and pour the dressing over the salad, gently tossing to avoid crushing the ingredients.

Step 5: Serving
The mackerel salad can be served immediately, but the flavor will be even more intense if you let it sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly. You can serve it on a bed of salad leaves or in individual bowls, garnished with a few thin slices of lemon for an elegant touch.

Customized option: You can also add a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess or replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds for a crunchy variant. Additionally, if you like it spicy, add a few slices of chili pepper for a more intense flavor.

This mackerel salad is not only a healthy and delicious recipe but also a true feast for the senses. Take advantage of the fish season and enjoy a meal full of flavors!

 Ingredients: 1 salted herring, 1 bunch of green salad, 2-3 apples, 8 walnuts, 1/2 lemon, 150 ml oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons dill, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper